Dreaming of renovating your home? It can be difficult to know where to start, so we’ve chosen to concentrating on tiling as it can transform the walls and floors of your home.
Choosing new floor tiles or wall tiles for a renovation shouldn’t be rushed. Take time to consider your options as a well-tiled surface is built to last and you don’t want to find yourself regretting a decision that will be with you for years to come. Careful planning and research is key to completing a home renovation that you’ll love and that includes thinking about these factors when choosing tiles for your home:
Where do you want to lay your tiles?
Before you start considering which tiles to buy take your time to envisage the effect you are looking to create. Tiles size, colour and shape all have different ways of changing the design and feel of your home. Key to remember is that different tiles are suitable for different areas and uses. The tiles you choose for your bathroom floor would be very different to the ones you choose for your kitchen splash-back.
Choosing the right colour
The colour of your walls or floors is an important aesthetic features of any room, especially as many people forget that your tiles should also complement your furniture and accessories. Working from a distinct colour scheme is a great first step, making the process so much easier. A neutral colour would be a safer option though if you find your working with a room full of different colours and styles.
Don’t feel you have to then opt for the same old grey and beige, as there are an array of colours that have a grey undertone but still have a mix of other colours added to them, to help bring out the warmth in a space without looking disruptive. This includes a palette of dusty roses, mauves and duck-egg blues. Don’t forget the age old advise that by adding darker colours to a room adds to the atmosphere and drama and to open up a space add lighter and brighter colours.
Sizing up your tiles
What impact are you looking to achieve when tiling a room? A tip would be to concentrate of the size of tile. For example when tiling a shower floor which requires moulding, small mosaic styles are a perfect choice. Small tiles also come into their own when using contrasting grout, as it enhances each tiles design creating a feature of the tile itself. On the other hand if you want to create an area that flows then larger tiles using matching grout is the way to go. Larger tiles (larger the better) help deceive the eye into thinking the room appears larger.
Ceramic vs Porcelain tiles
It can be hard to tell the difference between porcelain and ceramic and their manufacturing process is indeed very similar. But the two cannot be used interchangeably.
The difference lies in the materials used and the firing process. Ceramic tiles are made using generic clay baked to reduce water content. Porcelain tiles contain only fine white clay and are fired at a higher temperature than ceramics. This makes porcelain tiles harder, denser and less porous.
As a result, ceramics are an affordable choice for walls in low moisture areas. Because of their durability and water resistance, porcelain tiles are ideal for floors or areas that are prone to moisture.
Patterned or plain?
If you’re feeling bold, you may want to use patterned tiles in your plans. They’re perfect for adding character to a design feature such as a splashback or border, or for creating a designated ‘zone’ in an open space. Subtle patterns in muted colours can be used all-over to striking effect, but patterned tiles often create the biggest impact in isolated areas.
Considering these factors is an important first step to feeling motivated and ready to see your renovation through. The right tile choice can give any space an instant lift, and really bring the different elements of a room together. Using these guidelines will ensure you find the perfect fit for you.
